Thank you, Grace R!

by Proverbs 31 Woman

I got the surprise of my life just before we left home from office. FED-EX arrived late afternoon with a package for me just as I was about to step out of the Ikthus gate. I received a gift from someone I do not know [or I may have known her but just couldn't remember], thanking me for this blog and how it has inpired her. She sent for a CD of Josh Groban. I, and the rest of the devotional team, are blessed to be a blessing to our readers and that's our goal why this blog was created; to touch lives and to bring people to a spiritual solace and peace only Jesus can give.

The CD is simply entitled, 'Josh Groban'. It's an album of classics in Italian. His mesmeric voice brings you to another place..... like in a dream.... full of life and passion.... mysteriously beautiful!

The video below is a duet of Celine Dion and Josh, 'The Prayer'. The first time I heard of this song was in a friend's wedding some 5 years ago and since then, it has become one of my favorites. Enjoy and be truly blessed!

And to Grace R., thank you. Your encouragement warms my heart. I am praying for you and I bless you and your family with much peace, love and joy. May the work of your hands prosper and may you be used mightily by Him, for His glory alone.

With much love,

P31 [JSL]

CAN A MOTHER’S HEART REALLY LET GO?

by Mizpah

(lyrics of the song here)

“Then her heart becomes an altar, which holds each burden & care;
AND, nothing moves the heart of God, more than a mother's prayer.”
Mary Carter Mizrany

I became a mother at 19 years old. Young as I was, I had nothing on my sleeves about motherhood except that I was one. Despite my lack of knowledge, by God’s grace, I can say, I have been a good mother albeit I was working ever since I did my best to keep up with my mothering responsibilities.

Allow me to quote a line from a song I so love, “For all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right, to deserve…” Yes, to deserve our children. I am a mother of two. God willing, my son, John is turning twenty eight this April and my daughter, Sandi will be twenty this coming November.

Loving them is my life. Taking care of them and their needs are my priority. Literally, I live and breathe for my children. I will sacrifice anything where they are concerned. Since they were born until today, what comes their way, big or small, tears or laughter, failures or victories, significant or insignificant, I am there.

Who can tell me when should mothering stop? Who can tell me it’s easy to let go?

I can just look back at time how worried I was when they got their first vaccination and ran a slight fever; how my heart thumped as I extended my arms waiting for them as they took their first two steps; how excited I was when they attended their first day in school and the pride I donned was when they handed in their first test paper marked with “VG” (Very Good) or 100%; how I grinned from ear to ear as I watched their first calisthenics program in school and how I wanted to smack the face of that little guy who teased him!

Panting for breath, I would run to Lopue’s Department Store after office to get them their lead and mechanical pencils, art papers and glue so they will be marked “complete” for their project requirement; I recall the day I walked liked Mrs. Hillary Clinton when the names of my children were called to receive awards in school; my ears grew like Dumbo the Elephant when I overheard they’ve got a “crush”; I got so excited preparing for their outfits for their prom night and made sure they smelled “good”; Giving them their own cell phones was a sight to behold! I remember those nights I waited until dawn to make sure they got home safe and that was not funny!; attending their graduation was like being in the “Red Carpet”; and finding out that they were in a relationship was a thrill!

Soon after, it was preparing résumés for the first work application. The first time my son was called for a job interview, I was at home imagining what questions will be asked. “Will he make it?” inquired my anxious heart. Not before long, my son got his first job! A most memorable time for me was bringing him to Robinsons to get his complete set of wardrobe. “Hey world, my son is a professional!” That was more than five years ago.

These beautiful memoirs are too many to recount yet when I do, they never fail to lift my heart. The Lord has been good! Next month, John is moving to his own home. His future plans…his wedding? Oh, haven’t reached there yet. And my daughter? Well, it’s a joy to dream of our shopping spree when she gets to receive her first pay. However, she just made clear to her Pap and me that she will be claiming her full independence the day right after her college graduation next year.

They may be both adult persons in their own right, both assertive and secure to take their place in this tough world yet, they would still answer to our call of “My baby!” If they’re free, weekends would mean the four of us feasting over our special Sunday lunch after church and watching DVD movies for our night together, munching on our favorite midnight snack. A real treat for us is still being able to stay in bed, snuggle close and tickle each other ‘til we scream with glee to our hearts delight.

Now, who can tell me what “letting go” means? Can a mother really “let go” of her children? When can she start letting them go?

I know, I must. I know I should.

On my own, I can’t.

With Jesus, I can. With Jesus, I am.

“A MOTHER HOLDS HER CHILDREN’S HANDS FOR AWHILE – THEIR HEARTS FOREVER.”

"Crossroads" - Change my heart, Oh God

by Proverbs 31 Woman

Late afternoon yesterday, as I was about to disembark from a cab to get to my IELTS class, there was this fat lady on her motorcycle, who impulsively uttered a “nasty” word at me. I thought at first she was just talking to herself. When I got off the cab, with a tempestuous look, she raged at me and said, “You could have stayed longer in the cab!” “Whoa! Was she talking to me?” As I walked passed her, she started her motorbike and sped away. “What did I do?” I later realized that the cab stopped in front of her preventing her from getting out to the main street. “Hey, it’s not my fault,” mutely, I reasoned with crossed brows.

As I was walking towards the escalator, I mused to myself, “There are just bitter, angry, and nasty people in this world.” Then it hit me, just as I was climbing up the last set of stairs to the third floor of the building, God impressed in my heart that I am like that too.

I stopped for a moment and pondered on the impression into my heart. I whispered, “That’s so ugly, Lord! What are you trying to tell me?”

I realized that I can be despicable in my words, in my actions and in my thoughts. Oftentimes, I can be harsh with my words to others without me knowing it. When I’m in a hurry and stressed out, I can be impatient and my actions will show it. When I see people’s mistakes, I think of their weaknesses as stupidity. All these are ugly manifestations contained in me! I’m no different from that fat woman I met earlier.

Before I walked in the room, I uttered a short prayer, “Lord God, forgive me. Forgive my bitter heart. Change my heart, Oh God. I ask you to take away bitterness and anger from me. I ask you to teach me to be forgiving, to be forbearing, and to honor others so I can bless them with kindness, patience and love. In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen.”

This was a blog entry dated February 8, 2008 at Proverbs 31 Journal.
Series on Revelations will resume next week.

Blessings!

“Just Before I Sleep”

by Mizpah

Pap, is it all right if I ask these funny questions?

Why did you choose to give Jesus Christ poor

parents like Mary and Joseph?

If I were you, I’d have picked the richest family,

say, a Roman official at par with King Herod, if not,

at least his equal.

Why did you choose a stable of barn animals

for Jesus Christ’s delivery room?

If I were you, I’d have chosen the best and most modern

hospital for him. Was there one that time?

Why did you choose the acrid stench of animal

dung to welcome his birth?

If I were you, I would not have allowed him to inhale

any unsanitized air around him

Why did you choose a feeding trough to make do

for a crib and hay for his mattress?

If I were you, I’d have the most beautiful baby’s room

waiting for him with the most expensive crib and bolts

of linen cloth ready for his diapers and blankets.

Why did you choose obscurity rather than

renown regarding his birth?

If I were you, I’d have posted his birth announcement in every newspaper.

I’d have the most influential people invited when

I present and dedicate him at the temple.

Why did you choose poverty over affluence?

If I were you, I’ll bring him up with all the comfort and ease.

I’d have him ride a chariot rather than a donkey.

After all, I can afford.

Why did you choose suffering as his destiny?

Why the hard way over the easy one?

If I were you, I’d have planned for him a life with all its pomp and gaiety.

The accomplishment, wealth, and fame this world can give him.

Oh, Father, why are you so different from us?

Why are your thoughts not our thoughts?

Your ways not our ways?

“What is man that you are mindful of him,

the son of man that you care for him?”

“My beloved daughter, do you really want to know why?”

Because I love you very much.

Thus, in the little town of Bethlehem...that one silent night…

the royal birth of God’s Son tiptoed quietly by…

as the world slept.*

Intently looking at his eyes filled with love, I am pacified.

My questions answered.

My heart hushed.

I’ve fallen asleep.

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

like a weaned child with its mother,

like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

Psalm 131:2

*Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire

A chat with God

by proverbs 31 woman!

An excerpt from my journal dated 17 June 2004........

me: “Dear Lord, living a life of faith must be tough! How much faith is required?”

Him: “Just plain obedience.”

me: "Wow, Lord, that simple? How about a faith that can move mountains? Now, that’s a lot of faith!”

Him: “Not really, just plain obedience. Start by obeying simple, small truths. That’s all.”

me: "What else, God?"

Him: “Trust Me.”

me: "Trust and total surrender, even if I have to do it 50 times a day?”

Him: "Yes, even more than 50 times a day, if needed, my child. It’s trusting one breath at a time.”

me: "Lord, I trust you but I’m wiped out! …. just as David in the Scriptures said."

Him: “My grace is sufficient for you.”

me: “.... so that's Faith ....So be it, Lord. Amen.”